St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has issued a statement to the fans amid the club’s current uncertain situation, whilst also paying tribute to rivals Wigan Warriors.
Saints parted ways with head coach Paul Rowley less than 36 hours before last Friday’s derby against Wigan Warriors, a game that they would go on to lose under interim boss Eamon O’Carroll.
Before that game, Wigan Warriors paid tribute to Lady Joan Boston, the late wife of Sir Billy Boston, but they also ensured to pay tribute to St Helens legend Frankie Barrow, who had also sadly passed.
Issuing a statement via the club’s website, McManus thanked Wigan and their CEO Kris Radlinski, citing it as a gesture that highlights the ‘mutual respect which each of our clubs have for each other beneath the intense on field rivalry’.
That tribute was observed impeccably by the near 19,000 fans in attendance, around 1,700 of whom had travelled from St Helens and McManus has now penned a message to those fans to thank them for their support.
He said: “I would also take the opportunity to thank the Saints fans present at the match for their incredible support to our club and to our players.
“Given the unprecedented injury situation and recent major changes at the club, it was always going to be a very challenging game for us and indeed it proved to be so.”
Saints would lose 38-16 but their fans were loud and proud throughout the game, something that has not gone unnoticed.
McManus added: “The support was truly, truly magnificent throughout. A badly depleted Saints team also gave their all in turn. We are fortunate to have such knowledgeable and passionate fans who will not accept or tolerate a lack of commitment but are equally appreciative of total bravery and effort. We have received clear and very justifiable reminders of this in the last couple of weeks.
“It is very much backs against the wall for us for the remainder of the season. However, I’m confident that the players will continue to give their all to the very end.”
Next up for those travelling Saints fans is a trip to York Knights on Saturday evening.
Chairman Eamonn McManus has issued our thanks to Saints fans who attended last Friday’s match for their incredible support of the Club and our players.
He also shares his thanks to Wigan for their pre-match tribute to Frankie Barrow.
Read in full 😇 https://t.co/6IlsZyXexa
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) July 27, 2026
